Buc-ee's Expands to Utah with Plans for Infrastructure Upgrades

Buc-ee’s Eyes Expansion Into Utah Amid Rapid Growth

Buc-ee's, the famed convenience store chain, is gearing up to make its mark in Utah, marking its first venture into the state. Documents from the Springville City Council reveal the early plans for this expansion, signifying another step in Buc-ee’s ambitious multi-state growth strategy.

Springville City Council Backs Buc-ee’s Expansion

The Springville City Council has thrown its support behind Buc-ee's by unanimously approving a memorandum of understanding. This agreement will see the city reimbursing the retailer for certain infrastructure improvements at the proposed location.

Buc-ee's strategy involves spreading its footprint from its Texas roots to various states, including recent expansions into Virginia, Wisconsin, and Idaho. The proposed Utah store, positioned near exit 261 along Interstate 15, is slated to feature a sprawling 74,000-square-foot facility.

Infrastructure Challenges and Solutions

Due to the vast scale of Buc-ee’s outlets, significant infrastructure upgrades are often necessary to accommodate both automobile and pedestrian traffic. During peak periods, Buc-ee’s locations can experience over a thousand cars per hour, necessitating road enhancements. The large facilities also place demands on local utilities, echoing past challenges like those faced in DeForest, Wisconsin.

Nevertheless, the job opportunities and influx of visitors brought by Buc-ee’s are often seen as beneficial by host communities. “We’re happy to give you a good reason to spend some infrastructure investment dollars,” said Stan Beard, Buc-ee’s director of development and real estate, during a meeting with the Springville City Council. “The return on investment, I promise you, is going to be better than anyone expects.”

Financial and Development Agreements

Under the agreement, Springville will cover half the costs associated with road enhancements, all expenses for new traffic signal infrastructure, and any necessary upgrades to water lines. These measures aim to ensure the store’s seamless integration into the area.

Beard also shared that the groundbreaking for the Utah site could take up to a year, with the store’s completion possibly spanning an additional 18 months. Currently, Buc-ee’s has opened stores in 11 states, including Texas, Virginia, and Georgia, and is working on new locations in states like Idaho and Kansas. The addition of Utah will bring Buc-ee's active or planned presence to 20 states.